CHILLY MORNING: Temperatures are mostly in the 27-32 degree range across North/Central Alabama early this morning, and we won’t get past the 40s later today despite sunshine in full supply. Tonight will be cold again with a freeze likely again early tomorrow morning. Then, during the day tomorrow, we expect a partly sunny sky with a high in the low 50s. Clouds thicken tomorrow night.

THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: Saturday will be cloudy and cool with rain moving into the state from the west. The window for the most significant rain comes from about 12:00 noon until 12:00 midnight Saturday; rain amounts will be light, generally under 1/2 inch. No risk of severe storms, and probably no thunder. Sunday will be cloudy with some risk of lingering light rain or drizzle, mainly during the morning hours. Highs will be in the low to mid 50s for most places over the weekend, right at seasonal averages for mid-January in Alabama.

NEXT WEEK: For now the week looks dry, and once again temperatures right where they should be the time of the year based on averages. Highs in the 50s, lows in the 30s, mostly sunny days and fair nights Monday through Friday. Model guidance suggests the next rain will come the following weekend, January 19-20. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

Still no sign of any “winter weather mischief” over the next 10 days, meaning no snow, freezing rain, or icing issues.

ON THIS DATE IN 1975: A total of 13 tornadoes touched down in Alabama, including an EF-3 that moved through Pell City and Ragland. Many buildings, mostly homes, were heavily damaged by large trees uprooted and falling across them. Seven mobile homes were completely destroyed in a small trailer park which is about one mile northeast of Pell The same tornado that struck Pell City hit the Ragland, about 15 miles to the northeast. Ragland High School sustained extensive damage to its roof and windows. Several homes were damaged while one mobile home and a cement block building were completely destroyed. One man was killed inside the poorly constructed cement block building.

James Spann is one of the most recognized and trusted television meteorologists in the industry. He holds the AMS CCM designation and television seals from the AMS and NWA. He is a past winner of the Broadcast Meteorologist of the Year from both professional organizations.